Craggy Island Triathlon

Due to circumstances outwith our control, The Craggy Island Triathlon will not be running in 2019, we hope to bring the event back in 2020

Unique in the UK and probably the World, the Craggy Island Triathlon will have you swimming across the sound from the mainland to an island to start your race. How cool is that?

The island in this case is the rugged spectacular and completely unspoilt Isle of Kerrera, just off the West coast of Scotland near the busy town and harbour of Oban.

The race is entirely off-road (there are no roads on the island, so there’s not much choice about that!), and will take you from sea level to the highest point of the island with spectacular views across the Firth of Lorne and Sound of Mull.

Craggy Island Triathlon is a fundraiser for the Oban Mountain Rescue Team.

The race will provide a warm (well, we can’t promise the water will be warm!) and welcome environment for newbies and triathlon beginners, as well as a tough off-road challenge for those who fancy their chances at the head of the field.

It’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted!

Oban Mountain Rescue Team

Craggy Island Triathlon is proud to be associated with the Oban Mountain Rescue Team who provide search and rescue cover for an area covering the northwest of Argyll from Bridge of Orchy to Campbeltown and the islands including Mull and Jura, as well as first aid cover for our event. The team consists of 37 active members all of who are unpaid volunteers dedicating their time to helping people in need. Every member is an emergency first aider. If you feel you can help the team in any way, would like further information on the team, or would like to provide a donation please visit their website: http://obanmrt.co.uk/

550m Open Water Swim (wetsuits compulsory) A to B Swim (i.e.Gallanach on the Mainland to the Isle of Kerrera. Deep water start.

14km (ish) Off-Road Mountain Bike.
This will be on a combination of landrover and quad tracks and paths, and is a bit hilly (ahem!). There’s nothing wildly extreme, however, this is proper mountain biking in places, not just riding round a lovely grassy field – if you feel the need to walk a bit, no problem, we’d prefer you stay in one piece!. One lap. You’ll see most of the island on your travels, and have what must surely be the most scenic triathlon bike course in the world. Amazing.

8km (ish) Off-Road Run
This is going to be interesting. It’s proper off road. In fact, it’s more like a hill-race than the ‘cross country’ you might remember from school. The route will take you across rough trackless boggy and wild hillsides, but you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible views of the island, the Forth of Lorne, and the Isle of Mull. Along the way you’ll visit the highest point on Kerrera – 189m above sea level, and the ruined Gylen Castle before returning to the finish at the ferry slip. You may wish to incorporate a few hills in your training regime……

Rules: Normal Triathlon Scotland rules will apply – see www.triathlonscotland.org for further details.

We are really hot on no littering. We rely on the goodwill of our landowners, and we just cannot afford for them to be irritated, or the island spoilt by our litter. This specifically includes Gel/Bar wrappers, Banana skins etc. Simple rule: if you’re caught littering, it’s an instant DQ. You’ve been warned (sorry to be heavy, but…. you know!).

Here’s some possibilities for local bike hire. Please note: these aren’t recommendations – we’re just trying to help 🙂

Competitor Briefing 2018 This is logistically a very difficult race due to the split Start, Transition and Finish so please ensure you read these notes and pay particular attention to the race timings, remember to leave enough time to get the ferry over to the Island for registration in time to set up transition and return to the mainland.

Swim Safety

There will be substantial safety cover on the water to guide and provide safety cover.

All competitors should please note: United Kingdom waters are not completely safe for swimming, although risks of disease are low and risks of serious infection are minute (we have NO concerns about the water, but do take your safety seriously). Swimmers who may be susceptible to infection through immune suppression, are advised not to enter the event if he or she is not in good health at the time of swimming.

Water temperature will be checked on the morning of the race and any changes will be advised at the race briefing.

Medical Cover

Our qualified first aid team will be onsite during the event our First Aiders are all highly experienced at supplying the highest calibre of comprehensive medical cover at a range of sporting events.

Medical Conditions

We ask that all athletes show a sensible approach towards entering the event and if you feel at all unwell either prior, during or after the event you either withdraw and or seek assistance from the Medical Team.

Terms & Conditions

Please click here for details of the full Terms & Conditions associated with event entry, including refund, cancellation, withdrawal and transfer policies.

Entries are not transferable. Photographic ID may be requested at race registration.

Entrants wishing to withdraw must inform the organiser by email. Entry fees will be refunded or transferred as follows; up to (1 month prior to race date) 75% refund (less any Entry Central or SI fees), up to (2 weeks prior to race date) 50% refund (less any Entry Central or SI fees). After (2 weeks prior to race date) – no refund.

If the event is cancelled for reasons beyond the organiser’s control, (e.g. adverse weather conditions, major incident etc.) the organisers will make every reasonable attempt to reschedule the event. Original entrants will have their entry automatically transferred unless they advise Durty Events that they do not wish to transfer to the rescheduled event in writing (email to info@durtyevents.com) within 7 days of the original event date.

In the event of cancellation, original entrants may, at the sole discretion of Durty Events be offered an entry transfer of equivalent value to an alternative event in the companies’ portfolio.

In all cases, Durty Events reserves the right to charge a small administration fee (typically £5) to cover costs associated with card repayments and refund administration time.

No refunds will be granted after one month has passed from the event date.

Changes to entry details, and transfer of the entry to other events in the Durty Events portfolio may be possible with the permission of the organiser. There will be a small admin fee for this service, payable in advance. Please see the full Terms & Conditions for details.

No event like this can run smoothly without the help of many stewards and marshals. If you have friends or family that will be supporting you at the event, why not ask them if they would be willing to give up a couple of hours to volunteer.

All marshals will receive an event memento, food & drink. If you would like further information about becoming a race volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at info@durtyevents.com

You do not require any previous experience or knowledge of triathlon to become a race volunteer; any training required will be given on, or prior to race day.